Mayor Kathy Sheehan has appointed Deputy Fire Chief Joseph W. Gregory as the new head of the fire department.

Gregory begins the job on July 29.

Gregory has been a member of the department since July 1988, working his way up from firefighter. He was promoted to deputy chief in October 2014.

"It's something I'm very excited about," he said. "I look forward to working the members of our department," Gregory said.

“Joe Gregory has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the residents of Albany and the Albany Fire Department. He has the tactical and administrative experience we need to continue Chief Abriel’s proud work leading Albany’s bravest,” Sheehan said in a news release.

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Gregory will replace outgoing Chief Warren Abriel. Abriel announced his retirement last week after 46 years in the department.

Gregory, originally from New York City, graduated from Siena College with a degree in finance. He went to work for the city after graduation and spent some time working as a fire log dispatcher for the New York City Fire Department before joining the Albany Fire Department.

He was recognized as the 2017 American Legion Firefighter of the Year.

The City Council has 45 days to confirm or reject the appointment. If the council doesn’t act either way, the appointment will be confirmed.

In addition to his career with the Albany fire department, Gregory was notable for a bit part he had in one of the greatest American movies.

As a 12-year-old, Gregory was cast in "The Godfather," playing the son of of mob lawyer Tom Hagen, played by Robert Duvall.